3. Avalon Diner

Huston, TX

This is a classic diner with classic Americana. Consistently voted one of the best diners in the country in major publications, the Avalon Diner has been serving up some of the best diner food since 1938. If you can’t find something here to suite your road-trip appetite, you may as well just leave the country. Texas-size portions and Delaware-size prices make this place a consistent win. There is even an on-site bakery where they make their own breads and cakes, which is not always found in the griddle-heavy scene of a normal diner. Avalon Diner continues to win award after award for food and popularity.

Famous diner dish: Pick up the Chicken and Dumplings — it’s the Thursday special.